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Can Contact Lenses Cause Dry Eyes?
by LasikPlus

The Connection Between Contact Lenses and Dry Eyes

Contact lens wear represents a significant advancement in vision correction, with over 45 million Americans choosing this option (National Eye Institute [NEI], 2023). However, the relationship between contact lenses and dry eye syndrome deserves careful attention, as contact lens wear remains a leading cause of dry eye symptoms.

Understanding the Impact on Your Eyes

Contact lenses can disrupt the natural tear film that protects and lubricates your eyes. Research indicates that contacts can interfere with tear film stability in several ways:

  • Division of the tear film’s lipid and aqueous layers
  • Reduced tear film thickness
  • Increased ocular surface friction
  • Altered protein regulation affecting natural lubrication

Breaking Free from Contacts and Glasses: The LASIK Alternative

If you’re wearing contacts, chances are you’ve already decided that glasses aren’t your preferred choice for vision correction. While contacts offer freedom from glasses, dealing with ongoing dry eye symptoms and daily lens maintenance can become frustrating. LASIK surgery presents a permanent solution that eliminates the need for both contacts and glasses.

Why Consider LASIK?

For contact lens wearers experiencing dry eyes, LASIK offers several compelling benefits:

  • Permanent vision correction without daily lens wear
  • No more contact lens solutions, cases, or cleaning routines
  • Freedom from annual contact lens prescription costs
  • Ability to swim, exercise, and travel without worry about contact lenses
  • Wake up with clear vision without reaching for contacts or glasses

Understanding the LASIK Process

Modern LASIK technology has evolved significantly, offering:modern LASIK technology

  • Quick procedure (typically 15-20 minutes for both eyes)
  • Minimal recovery time (most return to work within 24-48 hours)
  • High satisfaction rates (over 96% according to recent studies)
  • Advanced tracking systems for precise treatment

LASIK and Dryness: What to Expect

While LASIK may cause temporary dryness during the initial healing period:

  • Most symptoms resolve within 3-6 months
  • Pre-existing dry eye can be treated before surgery
  • Long-term studies show improved comfort compared to contact lens wear

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Managing Dry Eyes

Whether you’re considering LASIK or looking to improve your eye comfort, these strategies can help manage dry eye symptoms:

Natural Solutions

  1. Environmental Management
    • Use a high-quality humidifier in your home and office
    • Position screens below eye level to reduce eye strain
    • Install air purifiers to reduce irritants
  2. Lifestyle Adjustments
    • Practice regular blinking exercises
    • Maintain proper hydration (8-10 glasses of water daily)
    • Include omega-3 rich foods in your diet
    • Protect eyes from wind and sun with wraparound sunglasses

Medical Approaches

  1. Therapeutic Options
    • Preservative-free artificial tears
    • Prescription eye drops for chronic dry eye
    • Punctal plugs for tear retention
  2. Advanced Treatments
    • LipiFlow® thermal pulsation
    • Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy
    • Meibomian gland expression

Professional Care

Regular eye examinations remain crucial for:

  • Monitoring eye health
  • Adjusting treatment strategies
  • Evaluating candidacy for LASIK
  • Ensuring optimal vision correction

 

 

 

References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Contact lens wear and care. CDC.
National Eye Institute. (2023). Dry eye disease. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nei.nih.gov/sites/default/files/health-pdfs/factsaboutdryeye.pdf.
American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2024). LASIK surgery: Benefits and risks. AAO. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik

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author
Lasik<em>Plus</em>
LasikPlus
Jon Ellis, M.D., FAAO is a graduate of the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and has been performing laser refractive surgery…

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